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Airplane Geeks Podcast

Airplane Geeks Podcast

De: Airplane Geeks
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 Our aim to educate and inform you, explore and develop your passion for aviation, and entertain you a little along the way.2008-2025 Ciências Sociais Comentários e Conteúdos de Viagens Política e Governo
Episódios
  • 866 AvBrief, All People And No AI

    866 AvBrief, All People And No AI
    Oct 15 2025
    The AvBrief editor-in-chief describes how the new aviation news service relies on humans to research and write aviation news. Also, the impact of the federal government shutdown on air traffic controllers and how they may influence a resolution of the shutdown, modernization of the 109th Airlift Wing ski squadron, and an idea to allocate some Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidies to rural bus services. Guest Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVBrief, a new website and newsletter that offers aviation news written and researched by humans involved in aviation. Russ has been a pilot for 35 years and owns a 1946 Cessna 140. He has been an aviation journalist since 2003 and was editor-in-chief at AvWeb until July 31, 2025, when he and several others in senior positions were unexpectedly let go. Russ wasn’t done being an aviation journalist, and he, along with some fellow journalists, launched AvBrief on August 3, 2025. Russ strongly believes that AI-based journalism cannot effectively create good aviation news content. Rather, it must come from human journalists, and this is a hallmark of AvBrief. The free AvBrief newsletter is currently published three times a week, but Russ sees that growing to a daily email. You can sign up for that at AvBrief.com. In addition to the news stories on the website, you’ll also find The Smart Aviator with new products, flight reviews, and best practices for maintenance and airmanship. Russ hopes this will grow into its own online publication. Aviation News As more air traffic controllers miss work, Transportation secretary threatens to fire ‘problem children’ controllers The CNN article describes how the ongoing government shutdown is causing widespread staffing shortages among U.S. air traffic controllers, leading to significant delays and disruptions at major airports. At least 11 FAA locations are affected, including key hubs like Chicago O'Hare, Newark, Orlando, Denver, and regional facilities, where control towers are operating with fewer controllers, resulting in delays of up to 90 minutes. In Duffy Threatens Dismissal for Controllers Who Falsely Call in Sick, AvBrief reports that in an interview on Fox Business, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “If we have a continual small subset of controllers that don’t show up to work, and they’re the problem children … if we have some on our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go. I can’t have people not showing up for work.” TSA agents helped end a government shutdown before. Could they do it again? Staffing shortages among TSA agents and air traffic controllers are causing airport delays during the ongoing government shutdown. Could their actions exert pressure an to end the shutdown? The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is urging all controllers to keep coming to work, but recognizes that some may choose not to attend due to the financial strain. Ultimately, only Congress can end a shutdown, but the impact of worker shortages—travel delays and safety concerns—has historically played a part in resolving previous government shutdowns. Vital Ski Squadron Modernization Getting Budget Attention Strategic concerns over increased military activity by China and Russia in the Arctic have prompted U.S. lawmakers and the Pentagon to accelerate modernization of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing, which operates unique ski-equipped C-130s supporting polar operations. Recently, $29 million was reallocated to fast-track the development of a new ski-equipped C-130J model to replace the aging LC-130H “Ski Bird” fleet that has become increasingly unreliable and difficult to maintain due to its age—some aircraft are between 30 and 50 years old. As Congress weighs rural air subsidies ... what about rural bus service? Essential Air Service (EAS) provides federal subsidies (about $550 million annually in the lower 48 and Hawaii) to ensure small,
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    1 hora e 21 minutos
  • 865 Brand New Air Traffic Control System

    865 Brand New Air Traffic Control System
    Oct 1 2025
    Two companies bid to become the Brand New Air Traffic Control System prime integrator, FAA issues carry-on SAFO, 737 MAX production limits eased, P&W and GE adaptive cycle engines, Sikorsky contract for CH-53K helicopters, and Sergei Sikorsky passes away at age 100. Aviation News Two bidders vie to be project manager of massive FAA US air traffic overhaul Two bids to become the prime integrator in the FAA’s project to overhaul the air traffic control system have been received. Congress has approved $12.5 billion for the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS), and the Agency has indicated that an additional $19 billion might be requested. The bids come from two DC Beltway companies: Peraton is a national security company owned by Veritas Capital and headquartered in Reston, Virginia. See the press release: Peraton Offers the FAA a Brand New Approach for Its Revolutionary ATC Modernization Initiative. Parsons Corporation is a technology provider in national security and global infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Parsons confirmed it has bid with IBM. The FAA says it will make a selection by the end of October. FAA urges airlines to discourage passengers from taking bags during evacuations The FAA issued Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 25003, PDF) titled “Addressing Risk Associated with Passenger Non-Compliance and Retention of Carry-On Baggage and Personal Items During Emergency Evacuations.” The SAFO “Serves to emphasize the operational and safety-critical importance of strict passenger compliance with crewmember instructions during emergency evacuations. Specifically, it addresses the adverse effects of passengers attempting to evacuate with carry-on items, which can significantly impede evacuation procedures and increase the potential for injury or fatality.” FAA Signals Easing of Oversight on Boeing Jets The FAA is expecting to restore Boeing’s ability to conduct safety sign-offs on new 737 MAX jets. Final airworthiness certificates will continue to be issued by the regulator The FAA is also considering increasing Boeing’s 737 MAX production cap from 38 to 42 planes per month. Engines for America's F-47 Sixth Gen Combat Aircraft Coming Together Faster Than Expected The F-47 is being developed as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Family of Systems. It’s a stealthy air superiority aircraft that can directly engage adversaries on the ground and in the air. It will be able to fly itself as well as collaborate with and control wingman drones. The propulsion system being developed under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program is a concept that offers two modes of operation, which can be dynamically adjusted in flight: high thrust and high speed, and lower thrust with reduced fuel burn. Adaptive cycle engines can modulate the bypass ratio and fan pressure using a third air stream and advanced variable geometry components. Both Pratt & Whitney and General Electric are developing NGAP engines. Airbus, Air France reject blame over AF447 crash, 16 years on Air France 447 crashed in the Atlantic in 2009. In a 2023 trial, the judge found acts of negligence by Airbus and Air France, but determined that, under French criminal law, these acts were insufficient to establish a definitive link to the loss of the A330. Both Airbus and Air France were cleared of corporate manslaughter. In an appeals hearing, the two companies pleaded not guilty. Air France and Airbus chief executives recognized the suffering of the families, but denied any criminal responsibility for the crash. Appeal hearings are expected to run until late November 2025. Sikorsky to Build 99 CH-53K King Stallions for the U.S. Marine Corps Sikorsky announced the award of a $10.8 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to build up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps over the next five years.
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    46 minutos
  • 864 Jet Fighter Pilot

    864 Jet Fighter Pilot
    Sep 17 2025
    A retired U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot and current leadership instructor describes flying the F-16, the F/A-18, the F-22, and the F-35. He provides lessons from instructing at Top Gun, and the important behaviours for leaders. In the news, Boeing is fined for safety violations, the St. Louis strike continues, the NTSB preliminary report describes the air turbulence incident, and the creation of an aerospace hub at a former Air Force Base. Guest Dave Berke is a retired U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot and current leadership instructor with Echelon Front. Dave is one of the rare few to have flown the F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35. He also served as the Training Officer at TOPGUN, where he led the staff of instructors who trained the students in air combat tactics and leadership under pressure. He spent a year as a ground Forward Air Controller, calling in air strikes and supporting SEALs, Marines, and Soldiers in the Battle of Ramadi in 2006. Dave describes how a Marine pilot ended up flying the F-16 and F-22, and what it’s like to fly the F-35B with its STOVL capabilities. He compares different jet fighters he has flown and explains how they are different and how they are similar. We hear Dave's thoughts on ground support aircraft and dedicated aircraft platforms in general. Dave tells us the combat environment is changing and how information and airframe flexibility are key now, as opposed to single-role platforms. Of course, we ask Dave if the Top Gun movies are accurate. His answer is both yes and no, but Top Gun: Maverick is very good from a flying standpoint. Dave tells us the jet fighter career path is more attainable than many people assume. Also, while flying ability is important, being a Top Gun Instructor hinges on being a good teacher. The Echelon Front leadership consultancy takes the lessons from combat and applies them to people’s personal and professional lives. In his new book, The Need to Lead: A TOPGUN Instructor's Lessons on How Leadership Solves Every Challenge, Dave describes the 10 most important mindsets and behaviors for leaders that he learned from the cockpit. Order the book on Amazon, available October 21, 2025. Fighter pilot Dave "Chip" Berke. Aviation News FAA proposes to fine Boeing $3.1 million over widespread safety violations Between September 2023 and February 2024, the FAA found hundreds of quality system violations at Boeing’s 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and at subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems. The FAA also identified interference with safety officials’ independence and proposed a $3.1 million fine, the maximum statutory civil penalty authority consistent with law. The findings include: presenting two unairworthy aircraft to the FAA for airworthiness certificates, failure to follow its quality system rules, and a Boeing employee pressuring another worker to sign off on a non-compliant 737 MAX. Boeing has 30 days to respond. Press release: FAA Proposes $3.1 Million in Fines Against Boeing Boeing Defense, union reach tentative deal to end strike in St. Louis area On Wednesday, Boeing Defense and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers reached a tentative 5-year contract agreement that would end a five-week-long strike in the St. Louis area. Striking Boeing workers reject latest offer However, on Friday, 57% of the IAM members voted to reject the agreement that would have increased the average wage from $75,000 to $109,000. The contract term would have increased from four years to five and included a ratification bonus of $4,000. Boeing says, “...no further talks are scheduled. We will continue to execute our contingency plan, including hiring permanent replacement workers, as we maintain support for our customers.” See: Boeing’s Terms of the Strike Settlement Offer [PDF] NTSB describes the turbulence that threw passengers around the cabin on a Delta flight In July,
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    1 hora e 42 minutos
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